Community
Tobago Mourns Passing of Cultural Icon, Educator Kennetta Chrysantha Bobb
Ms. Bobb’s contributions to education and community development extended beyond her role as an educator. Her involvement in theatre in particular stands out – from stage acting to co-producing and producing various plays and productions, and performances on television and cinema screens in ‘Back Bay’, ‘Return to Back Bay’, ‘The Invocation’ and ‘Turn of the Tide.
Scarborough, Tobago – January 2024 – The island of Tobago is profoundly mourning the passing of a true cultural stalwart, legendary thespian, and dedicated former educator, Ms. Kennetta Chrysantha Bobb, who transitioned on Monday, January 29, 2024. The Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation, along with its Assistant Secretary and Administrator, extended heartfelt condolences to her siblings, family, and friends, acknowledging her immense and indelible legacy.
Ms. Bobb’s multifaceted contributions to Tobago were widely recognized throughout her life. In 2020, the street on which she resided in Government House Road was renamed in her honour, a testament to her community impact. In 2019, she was among 70 awardees recognized for their significant contributions to the Tobago Heritage Festival. Her excellence in the classroom was celebrated in 2018 when she was bestowed with the Teacher Icon Award at the 78th annual Tobago Teachers’ Get-Together, hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA).
A Legacy in Education and Theatre:
Ms. Bobb’s distinguished teaching career began in 1972 at Elizabeth’s College, followed by Scarborough Methodist Primary in 1973. By 1976, she entered the Teachers’ Training College, specializing in Home Economics. Over her decades of service, she imparted knowledge to hundreds of students, notably teaching Home Economics at Roxborough Secondary from 1979 and at Scarborough Secondary School from 1981 to 2008.
Her extensive contributions to education and community development extended far beyond her role as an educator. Ms. Bobb’s involvement in Tobago theatre particularly stands out, encompassing stage acting, co-producing and producing various plays and productions, and memorable performances on television and cinema screens in local classics such as ‘Back Bay’, ‘Return to Back Bay’, ‘The Invocation’, and ‘Turn of the Tide’.
A gifted storyteller and an extraordinary master of ceremonies, as well as a former radio personality, Ms. Bobb also dedicated her expertise by serving on numerous boards, including Bishops’ High School, the National Schools’ Dietary Services Limited, the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute, and Mt Olive Spiritual Baptist Church.
Additionally, Ms. Bobb diligently contributed to various committees, including the Friends of the Tobago Library Committee, the Tobago Heritage Festival Committee, and the Tobago Best Village Steering Committee. She was a longstanding judge for both the Tobago Heritage Festival and Best Village competitions and a talent scout and judge for several youth talent programmes, including Twelve & Under and Tobago’s Children Showcase Programme.
Ms. Kennetta Chrysantha Bobb has undoubtedly left an indelible mark and a rich legacy on both the educational and cultural landscape of Tobago. She was a blessing to the island and will be deeply missed.
